Rhinocladiella similis

Updated : November 15, 2023

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Rhinocladiella similis, first described in 2003, was isolated from a cutaneous ulcer in a patient from Brazil. While its exact ecological niche remains unknown, it has been found in environmental samples across South America and Europe. This includes tap water, groundwater, soil samples, and even dialysis water in a hemodialysis unit in Brazil.

Notably, the fungus has been implicated in a pseudo-outbreak in London, likely transmitted by contaminated endoscopes. The presence of R. similis in Europe suggests a wide geographic distribution compared to other melanized fungi responsible for chromoblastomycosis, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions.  

Over the years, several cases of chromoblastomycosis caused by R. similis have been reported, predominantly in South America. Countries where this fungus has been detected include Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. However, due to its morphological similarity to another species, R. atrovirens, accurate identification relies on molecular methods, such as sequencing ribosomal DNA’s internal transcribed spacer region.

This potential for misidentification may result in underestimating the true prevalence of R. similis. The role of R. similis as either a pathogen or a colonizer is not always clear, as it can coexist with other microorganisms in infected sites. The clinical outcomes of patients vary, generally influenced by the host’s immune status and the availability of treatment options.  

 

Classification and Structure: 

Kingdom: Fungi 

Division: Ascomycota 

Class: Eurotiomycetes 

Order: Chaetothyriales 

Family: Herpotrichiellaceae 

Genus: Rhinocladiella 

Species: R. similis  

The structure of Rhinocladiella similis colonies is characterized by their restricted, velvety, or lanose appearance, often displaying an olivaceous coloration and slight mucoid texture at the center. The reverse side of the colonies is dark olivaceous green to blackish. Conidiophores in this fungus are short, brown, and possess thick walls.  

The conidiogenous cells are cylindrical, either intercalary or free, and measure approximately 9-19 x 1.6-2.2 µm. These cells have a denticulate rachis reaching 15 µm long, featuring crowded, flat, or butt-shaped, unpigmented conidial denticles.  

The conidia produced by Rhinocladiella similis are hyaline and characterized by their thin, smooth walls. They are short-cylindrical in shape and have truncated basal scars, measuring about 3.7-5.5 x 1.2-1.8 µm.  

If budding cells are present, they are hyaline and have thin walls with a broadly ellipsoidal shape, typically measuring 3.0-4.3 x 1.7-2.5 µm. When germinating, the cells become inflated and take on a spherical to subspherical form, with dimensions ranging from 4.5-6.0 µm.

The fungus also possesses a circular mitochondrial genome of 28,892 bp, with a GC content of 51%, encompassing 14 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 25 tRNA genes. 

 

The antigenic properties of Rhinocladiella similis are not extensively studied; however, they share common antigens with other fungi, including melanin and various cell wall components, which can trigger host immune responses. Notably, a 36-kDa serine protease purified from R. similis exhibits keratinolytic and elastolytic activities.

This protease likely plays a role in tissue damage and inflammation within the host. Rhinocladiella similis strain CBS 149759 was initially isolated from a patient in Brazil with chromoblastomycosis, marking the first documented case attributed to this fungus.

This strain’s draft genome sequence is accessible, providing insights into its genetic makeup. Notably, cell wall proteins in R. similis, such as chitin synthase, glucan synthase, and mannoproteins, contribute to the integrity of the Rhinocladiella cell wall, facilitating adhesion and invasion of host cells.  

 

The pathogenesis of Rhinocladiella similis infection is initiated by the accidental inoculation of the fungus into the human body, often through skin trauma or injury. Once introduced, the fungus’s dark brown to black conidia, known for their resilience to environmental stress, become established within the skin tissue. These conidia can survive in the host environment, setting the stage for the development of the infection.  

Upon entering the skin, these conidia germinate and give rise to hyphae, filamentous structures that invade the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. This invasion leads to the development of chronic inflammation and the formation of granulomas, characteristic of this subcutaneous disease.

The sign of the infection includes nodular and verrucous skin lesions that harbor muriform cells. These cells are distinctive for their thick-walled, pigmented, and septate characteristics. Although these lesions are initially painless and localized, they have the potential to become extensive and disfiguring over time.  

In some cases, the hyphae produced by Rhinocladiella similis give rise to budding yeast cells that can disseminate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other organs in the body, including the brain, lungs, kidneys, and bones. This dissemination can lead to more severe and systemic forms of infection, potentially posing a significant threat to the affected individual’s health. 

In response to Rhinocladiella similis infections, the skin deploys a cadre of immune cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and Langerhans cells. These immune sentinels employ various mechanisms such as phagocytosis, oxidative burst, cytokine production, and antigen presentation to recognize and combat fungal pathogens.

However, R. similis has developed an evasion strategy by producing melanin, which shields the fungus from oxidative stress and thwarts phagocytosis. Moreover, R. similis can induce the formation of granulomas comprising macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts. While granulomas are designed to isolate and eliminate the fungus, they can also be a refuge for fungal persistence and cause tissue damage.   

Adaptive immune cells, including T cells and B cells, present in the tissues produce antibodies and cytokines to bolster the antifungal response. The balance between Th1 and Th2 responses plays a pivotal role in the outcome of fungal infections. In the case of chromoblastomycosis, a dominant Th1 response triggers inflammation and granuloma formation, although a Th2 response can be beneficial to modulate inflammation and promote healing.

In the bloodstream, complement proteins, defensins, and natural killer cells are present, contributing to fungal pathogen elimination through mechanisms like lysis, opsonization, and cytotoxicity. Among these, defensins, primarily expressed in neutrophils and epithelial cells, can directly disrupt Rhinocladiella similis membranes or modulate the immune response by attracting other immune cells, enhancing phagocytosis, and regulating inflammation. These multifaceted host defense mechanisms collectively combat R. similis infections, albeit the fungus’s melanin-mediated evasion tactics. 

 

Rhinocladiella similis, when it infects humans, can lead to a debilitating condition known as chromoblastomycosis. This chronic subcutaneous disease is typically a result of accidental fungal inoculation into the skin.

The manifestations of R. similis infection are characterized by a skin lesions, including cutaneous ulcers, nodules, plaques, verrucous lesions, and sometimes even tumor-like growths.  

These skin manifestations directly result from the fungus’s presence in the subcutaneous tissues. The chronic nature of the infection means that these skin lesions can persist over an extended period, often causing discomfort and disfigurement.  

Rhinocladiella similis infection diagnosis involves traditional culture-based methods and molecular identification techniques. Culturing skin samples on Sabouraud agar or other fungal media is one of the primary steps. R. similis forms characteristic black, velvety colonies with radial grooves in culture. These colonies often have an olivaceous color and may appear slightly mucoid at the center, with a dark olivaceous green to blackish reverse.

However, it’s important to note that the growth of this fungus can be slow, requiring several days to weeks for colonies to develop. Microscopic examination of the cultured fungus is another key diagnostic method. R. similis produces dark brown to black conidia (spores) that are cylindrical or ellipsoidal, with one or both ends rounded.

The conidia typically measure 3.5 to 6.5 μm by 2 to 3 μm and have a thick cell wall. Additionally, the fungus forms septate hyphae (filaments) that are brown to black and measure around 2 to 4 μm in diameter. These features can be observed by staining the fungal culture or tissue biopsy with various stains, including potassium hydroxide (KOH), calcofluor white, periodic acid–Schiff (PAS), or Grocott methenamine silver (GMS).   

For a more precise and reliable identification, molecular methods are employed. The most robust approach for identifying R. similis is sequencing ribosomal DNA’s internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. This region can be specifically amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers and then compared with reference sequences in public databases.

Furthermore, other molecular markers, such as the large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal DNA, the beta-tubulin gene, and the mitochondrial genome, can be utilized for phylogenetic analysis and differentiation of R. similis from other related species. These molecular identification techniques enhance diagnostic accuracy and help distinguish R. similis from morphologically similar fungi. 

 

  • Wear protective clothing, gloves, and shoes to minimize the risk of accidental inoculation through skin contact when working or visiting areas where the fungus may be present. 
  • Avoid contact with contaminated water, soil, plants, or animals that may harbor the fungus. This includes being cautious in areas where the fungus is known to exist, particularly in regions where R. similis has been isolated. 
  • Clean and disinfect any wounds or injuries promptly to reduce the chances of fungal entry into the body. Proper wound care is essential in preventing infection. 

 

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Rhinocladiella similis

Updated : November 15, 2023

Mail Whatsapp PDF Image



Rhinocladiella similis, first described in 2003, was isolated from a cutaneous ulcer in a patient from Brazil. While its exact ecological niche remains unknown, it has been found in environmental samples across South America and Europe. This includes tap water, groundwater, soil samples, and even dialysis water in a hemodialysis unit in Brazil.

Notably, the fungus has been implicated in a pseudo-outbreak in London, likely transmitted by contaminated endoscopes. The presence of R. similis in Europe suggests a wide geographic distribution compared to other melanized fungi responsible for chromoblastomycosis, primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions.  

Over the years, several cases of chromoblastomycosis caused by R. similis have been reported, predominantly in South America. Countries where this fungus has been detected include Brazil, Colombia, Venezuela, and Peru. However, due to its morphological similarity to another species, R. atrovirens, accurate identification relies on molecular methods, such as sequencing ribosomal DNA’s internal transcribed spacer region.

This potential for misidentification may result in underestimating the true prevalence of R. similis. The role of R. similis as either a pathogen or a colonizer is not always clear, as it can coexist with other microorganisms in infected sites. The clinical outcomes of patients vary, generally influenced by the host’s immune status and the availability of treatment options.  

 

Classification and Structure: 

Kingdom: Fungi 

Division: Ascomycota 

Class: Eurotiomycetes 

Order: Chaetothyriales 

Family: Herpotrichiellaceae 

Genus: Rhinocladiella 

Species: R. similis  

The structure of Rhinocladiella similis colonies is characterized by their restricted, velvety, or lanose appearance, often displaying an olivaceous coloration and slight mucoid texture at the center. The reverse side of the colonies is dark olivaceous green to blackish. Conidiophores in this fungus are short, brown, and possess thick walls.  

The conidiogenous cells are cylindrical, either intercalary or free, and measure approximately 9-19 x 1.6-2.2 µm. These cells have a denticulate rachis reaching 15 µm long, featuring crowded, flat, or butt-shaped, unpigmented conidial denticles.  

The conidia produced by Rhinocladiella similis are hyaline and characterized by their thin, smooth walls. They are short-cylindrical in shape and have truncated basal scars, measuring about 3.7-5.5 x 1.2-1.8 µm.  

If budding cells are present, they are hyaline and have thin walls with a broadly ellipsoidal shape, typically measuring 3.0-4.3 x 1.7-2.5 µm. When germinating, the cells become inflated and take on a spherical to subspherical form, with dimensions ranging from 4.5-6.0 µm.

The fungus also possesses a circular mitochondrial genome of 28,892 bp, with a GC content of 51%, encompassing 14 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 25 tRNA genes. 

 

The antigenic properties of Rhinocladiella similis are not extensively studied; however, they share common antigens with other fungi, including melanin and various cell wall components, which can trigger host immune responses. Notably, a 36-kDa serine protease purified from R. similis exhibits keratinolytic and elastolytic activities.

This protease likely plays a role in tissue damage and inflammation within the host. Rhinocladiella similis strain CBS 149759 was initially isolated from a patient in Brazil with chromoblastomycosis, marking the first documented case attributed to this fungus.

This strain’s draft genome sequence is accessible, providing insights into its genetic makeup. Notably, cell wall proteins in R. similis, such as chitin synthase, glucan synthase, and mannoproteins, contribute to the integrity of the Rhinocladiella cell wall, facilitating adhesion and invasion of host cells.  

 

The pathogenesis of Rhinocladiella similis infection is initiated by the accidental inoculation of the fungus into the human body, often through skin trauma or injury. Once introduced, the fungus’s dark brown to black conidia, known for their resilience to environmental stress, become established within the skin tissue. These conidia can survive in the host environment, setting the stage for the development of the infection.  

Upon entering the skin, these conidia germinate and give rise to hyphae, filamentous structures that invade the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. This invasion leads to the development of chronic inflammation and the formation of granulomas, characteristic of this subcutaneous disease.

The sign of the infection includes nodular and verrucous skin lesions that harbor muriform cells. These cells are distinctive for their thick-walled, pigmented, and septate characteristics. Although these lesions are initially painless and localized, they have the potential to become extensive and disfiguring over time.  

In some cases, the hyphae produced by Rhinocladiella similis give rise to budding yeast cells that can disseminate through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other organs in the body, including the brain, lungs, kidneys, and bones. This dissemination can lead to more severe and systemic forms of infection, potentially posing a significant threat to the affected individual’s health. 

In response to Rhinocladiella similis infections, the skin deploys a cadre of immune cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and Langerhans cells. These immune sentinels employ various mechanisms such as phagocytosis, oxidative burst, cytokine production, and antigen presentation to recognize and combat fungal pathogens.

However, R. similis has developed an evasion strategy by producing melanin, which shields the fungus from oxidative stress and thwarts phagocytosis. Moreover, R. similis can induce the formation of granulomas comprising macrophages, lymphocytes, and fibroblasts. While granulomas are designed to isolate and eliminate the fungus, they can also be a refuge for fungal persistence and cause tissue damage.   

Adaptive immune cells, including T cells and B cells, present in the tissues produce antibodies and cytokines to bolster the antifungal response. The balance between Th1 and Th2 responses plays a pivotal role in the outcome of fungal infections. In the case of chromoblastomycosis, a dominant Th1 response triggers inflammation and granuloma formation, although a Th2 response can be beneficial to modulate inflammation and promote healing.

In the bloodstream, complement proteins, defensins, and natural killer cells are present, contributing to fungal pathogen elimination through mechanisms like lysis, opsonization, and cytotoxicity. Among these, defensins, primarily expressed in neutrophils and epithelial cells, can directly disrupt Rhinocladiella similis membranes or modulate the immune response by attracting other immune cells, enhancing phagocytosis, and regulating inflammation. These multifaceted host defense mechanisms collectively combat R. similis infections, albeit the fungus’s melanin-mediated evasion tactics. 

 

Rhinocladiella similis, when it infects humans, can lead to a debilitating condition known as chromoblastomycosis. This chronic subcutaneous disease is typically a result of accidental fungal inoculation into the skin.

The manifestations of R. similis infection are characterized by a skin lesions, including cutaneous ulcers, nodules, plaques, verrucous lesions, and sometimes even tumor-like growths.  

These skin manifestations directly result from the fungus’s presence in the subcutaneous tissues. The chronic nature of the infection means that these skin lesions can persist over an extended period, often causing discomfort and disfigurement.  

Rhinocladiella similis infection diagnosis involves traditional culture-based methods and molecular identification techniques. Culturing skin samples on Sabouraud agar or other fungal media is one of the primary steps. R. similis forms characteristic black, velvety colonies with radial grooves in culture. These colonies often have an olivaceous color and may appear slightly mucoid at the center, with a dark olivaceous green to blackish reverse.

However, it’s important to note that the growth of this fungus can be slow, requiring several days to weeks for colonies to develop. Microscopic examination of the cultured fungus is another key diagnostic method. R. similis produces dark brown to black conidia (spores) that are cylindrical or ellipsoidal, with one or both ends rounded.

The conidia typically measure 3.5 to 6.5 μm by 2 to 3 μm and have a thick cell wall. Additionally, the fungus forms septate hyphae (filaments) that are brown to black and measure around 2 to 4 μm in diameter. These features can be observed by staining the fungal culture or tissue biopsy with various stains, including potassium hydroxide (KOH), calcofluor white, periodic acid–Schiff (PAS), or Grocott methenamine silver (GMS).   

For a more precise and reliable identification, molecular methods are employed. The most robust approach for identifying R. similis is sequencing ribosomal DNA’s internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. This region can be specifically amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers and then compared with reference sequences in public databases.

Furthermore, other molecular markers, such as the large subunit (LSU) of ribosomal DNA, the beta-tubulin gene, and the mitochondrial genome, can be utilized for phylogenetic analysis and differentiation of R. similis from other related species. These molecular identification techniques enhance diagnostic accuracy and help distinguish R. similis from morphologically similar fungi. 

 

  • Wear protective clothing, gloves, and shoes to minimize the risk of accidental inoculation through skin contact when working or visiting areas where the fungus may be present. 
  • Avoid contact with contaminated water, soil, plants, or animals that may harbor the fungus. This includes being cautious in areas where the fungus is known to exist, particularly in regions where R. similis has been isolated. 
  • Clean and disinfect any wounds or injuries promptly to reduce the chances of fungal entry into the body. Proper wound care is essential in preventing infection. 

 

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